Theatre embraces an expanding research environment which advances a transdisciplinary vision connecting artistic performance, critical cultural performance, and the social, political and historical forces that shape theatrical and everyday practices. The subject brings together the research interests of our staff in order to investigate the ways in which performance makes sense of and responds to contemporary contexts and challenges, and reimagines the contemporary world. We are preoccupied with radically questioning social, cultural, and politico-economic contexts in relation to performance. Our research engages with knowledges and practices from across the Global South and the North. Our primary research group is the Performance, Cultures and Politics Research Group. Research opportunities for students Research students are welcomed to Brunel as valued members of our thriving, research-intensive community. Browse PhD opportunities below and find out about the funding available for students. Doctoral research information How to apply for a PhD View list of PhDs in this area Research in Theatre Find people, projects, and groups in Theatre and read more about related research to this area. Meet our experts Research Seminar Series Interdisciplinary performance research talks and presentations. Independent assessment of our research quality (REF 2021) View REF 2021 details for Music, Drama, Dance, Performing Arts, Film and Screen Studies (UoA 33) Putting working class actors centre stage REF 2021 Research centres and groups Arts Health and Social Change This Research Group is dedicated to fostering art-based initiatives that drive social change towards inclusivity and equality in healthcare. Comedy Studies As an interdisciplinary centre it considers the production, content, reception and wider socio-political implications of comedy in a variety of formats and from a range of perspectives. Global Lives Research conducted in the Centre addresses the challenges facing society, helping to change the lives of people around the world by bringing economic, social and cultural benefits. Human Geography Aims to develop and consolidate interdisciplinary research around space, place and society at Brunel. We provide a forum for engagement with geographical research, for sharing and receiving feedback on writing and developing new collaborations nationally and internationally. Performance and Ephemeral Sustainabilities in Public Space Cultural politics of performance; Socially-engaged theatre; Site-specific and urban performance; Digital and intermedial performance; Performer training; Writing for performance and audio-visual composition. Performance, Cultures and Politics At the heart of the Research Group is a concern with how bodies, places and practices impact power and politics. Courses Comedy Studies PhD Music PhD Theatre PhD View all courses Fully-funded studentships Our funded studentships become available at different times of the year. Please keep checking our page regularly to see the latest funded opportunities. We also advertise all our funded studentships as soon as they become available on the @BrunelResearch twitter account. View all studentships